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Highlands Today

Stop Light Sensors

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By Jim Rahenkamp

Published: November 28, 2007

When tested, many beautiful theories prove to be either useless or detrimental. I am referring to the proposal to install stop light sensors at intersections.

A topnotch salesperson can make such appear to be a win/win situation. The program costs the city nothing. The city receives a majority of the fine revenue, and the number of drivers who run stop lights is significantly reduced.

Usually the city is not told that they will be locked into a long-term program; that the accident rate will be significantly increased because of faint hearts who slam on the brakes as soon as the light turns amber, causing a pile up accident; and that traffic flow will be drastically impeded. Check with cities who have found how horrible these programs have proved to be. Many judges throw out all sensor cases.

If sensors are used, there should be a time after the light turns red before the license is recorded. There should be a difference between a vehicle which clears the intersection before the opposite traffic has a chance to enter the intersection and a vehicle which enters the intersection so late that there is the potential for an accident.

Jim Rahenkamp

Avon Park

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